Social media has drastically changed how people communicate and interact with each other; all kinds of influencers and content creators have emerged as a result. Now more than ever, influencers are using social media platforms to share opinions regarding social issues as well as voice their concerns about taboo subjects prevalent in society. One such social media influencer is 19-year-old Ayla Adnan, who uses the power of social media to bring about change as well as make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Ayla has been running her NGO, Youth Association For All (YAFA), since the age of 16 and has recently launched a social media initiative called Break the Stigma, for insight on how she handles the negativity that is a part and parcel of social media. Ayla also models and has her own clothing line, AW apparel which is unisex/non-binary; the idea is to promote gender inclusive clothes in Pakistan.

Ayla Adnan’s journey of becoming a social media influencer started when she joined TikTok in the summer of 2019, which she discontinued after two months.

“It was during quarantine last year that out of boredom I started creating thought-provoking digital content, made my Instagram account public and posted my first video on YouTube. I officially started creating content in September 2020. I started working on different campaigns and focusing on my Instagram handle, @aylasworld a little more as well,” she adds.

As far as YAFA is concerned, the aim behind establishing her NGO was to spread awareness among women belonging to underprivileged backgrounds. “These women aren’t aware of subjects like menstrual hygiene, for example, which are considered taboo,” she shares. Before the pandemic hit, Ayla shares show she used to conduct awareness campaigns regarding menstrual hygiene as well as self-defence workshops in areas such as Dehli Colony, Punjab Colony, and Machar Colony to educate women.

However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, she couldn’t continue with the physical drives; that is when she launched her social media initiative, Break the Stigma. “The inspiration behind Break the Stigma is to raise awareness and garner information from people who already know about topics that are considered taboo in society and how we, as the privileged 1%, can further spread this message,” she explains.

Ayla posts short IG TV videos regarding topics such as acne, divorce, remarriage, women empowerment and most importantly, menstrual hygiene awareness. “I have spoken about my parents being divorced and my acne problem among other things. The initiative is all about vocalising my own opinion on topics that have stigmas attached to them,” she asserts, adding that she is happy that her videos are making a positive impact and encouraging conversation.

“I want to use my platform to give women and young girls a voice to raise their concerns to a larger audience. It is dangerous, but I firmly believe that justice should prevail in the best way possible. You just can’t be a bystander, you can’t be an enabler, and you can’t be a rape apologist.”

“Social media is super-powerful and I have observed that teenagers are using social media platforms to engage and empower. A lot of boys have been called out in #METOO campaigns carried out by individuals my age. Women and young girls have a platform where they can voice their concerns and know they’ll be heard. However, I think that social media needs to be used within a certain limit because it can take a toll on your mental health and impact you negatively. It did take a toll on me for a couple of days during the Noor Mukaddam case, and even the Minar-e-Pakistan incident was quite disturbing. If you are an individual with empathy, it does affect your life and takes a toll, and in that case it is important to take a step back and breathe.”
When asked how she uses social media positively in this time and age when there is so much negativity around it, Ayla shares that whenever there is too much negativity surrounding her she makes sure to put her mental health first and do something that is relaxing for her. “I find comfort in painting and being in my own company and watching a movie to divert my mind to a place where I find serenity and peace.”

Talking about online trolling and bullying and how she handles all that, Ayla shares, “Usually I don’t let trolling affect me and I think that responding to trolls in a very witty manner does the trick. However, when it comes to bullying or body shaming I have a strict block policy. And before I block someone I expose them on my story especially men in their 30s and 40s who want to sexualise teenagers.”

How does Ayla help girls get through sexual harassment scandals that are on the rise?

“As far as sexual harassment scandals are concerned, I want to use my platform to give women and young girls a voice to raise their concerns to a larger audience. It is dangerous because you never know who these guys are and what type of connections they have, but I firmly believe that justice should prevail in the best way possible. You just can’t be a bystander, you can’t be an enabler, and you can’t be a rape apologist,” she elaborates.

On a concluding note, Ayla urges the youth, especially those who are victims of trolling and bullying, to remember that you are never the problem – the bullies are the problem.

“They’re probably insecure or want to be like you. If you are going through this, I would suggest you confide in a trusted adult - don’t try to deal with it on your own. It will definitely take a toll on your mental health. Honestly you don’t need to abide by societal pressure.

Do what makes you happy and where your passions lie whether they’re traditional or unorthodox jobs and passions. You have one life to live, live it to the fullest and just be safe.”